Treasury Reserve has played an important place in the history of Melbourne for its role in accommodating important government functions from the 1850s until today. The landscaped setting and collection of buildings reflecting the administration of Victoria is recognised at the state level as a heritage precinct. Context was engaged by the Department of Treasury and Finance to undertake a Conservation Management Plan to guide management of the place, taking into account its heritage significance and need for ongoing permits to sustain use. Social values and community connections had not previously been considered for this place. The report notes that Treasury Reserve has ‘ceremonial connections stretch back into Aboriginal history and forward into the future. It is a place where people meet, work, celebrate and protest, and a powerful symbol of government. This long history of diverse community connections suggests that there may be significant associations that need to be considered in assessing significance’ (see pp. 99-101). The project did not include the opportunity for direct engagement and therefore the assessment was of ‘potential social significance’ for each of the ‘associated communities’: Aboirginal people; people and organisations with longstanding and contemporary associations with the Reserve; and Melbournians (pp. 106-108).

The project provides detail of the location of all the various plans and reports, and an inventory was prepared. Policy for permit exemptions was another key outcome of the project and this was provided with a clear understanding of the significance of each building and the spaces within. Detailed significance plans were produced to assist in this regard. The project was undertaken with Trethowan Architects. [Source: Context Pty Ltd]